The Big Five: the five-factor model of personality

In short: The Big Five model describes personality using five broad traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. It is the most widely used personality model in research.

In more detail: Every person sits somewhere on a scale between two poles for each trait, so there are no fixed “types”. The model emerged partly from analysing the words used to describe character in everyday language and has been tested in many countries and cultures.

In detail

• Openness to experience: Curiosity, imagination and interest in art and new ideas, as opposed to a preference for the familiar.
• Conscientiousness: Carefulness, planning and reliability, as opposed to spontaneity and a relaxed attitude.
• Extraversion: Sociability, talkativeness and seeking stimulation, as opposed to reserve (introvertiert-und-extrovertiert-verstehen).
• Agreeableness: Helpfulness, compassion and willingness to cooperate, as opposed to scepticism and assertiveness.
• Neuroticism: A tendency towards worry, tension and mood swings, as opposed to emotional stability; the name is not a diagnosis.
• Memory aid: The initial letters spell OCEAN (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).
• Stable but not rigid: Trait levels remain fairly stable over years but change somewhat over a lifetime; many people become more conscientious and emotionally balanced with age.
• Nature and nurture: Twin studies show that both genes and life experiences play a role.
• Compared with type tests: Popular type tests such as the MBTI have considerably weaker scientific support; reputable Big Five questionnaires give scores on scales rather than putting people in boxes (kognitive-verzerrungen).